In a recent interview with Sky Sports, BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom expressed his enthusiasm for Chris Billam-Smith’s future in the cruiserweight division. The British WBO cruiserweight champion will face Mexican Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez next Saturday, November 16, in Saudi Arabia, in a highly anticipated title unification bout.
Billam-Smith, who already holds the WBO belt, has the opportunity to add Ramírez’s WBA cruiserweight title to his collection if he manages to defeat him this weekend.
Shalom made it clear that a victory would not only solidify Billam-Smith as one of the best but also open the door to even more ambitious matchups.
In his comments to Sky Sports News, Ben Shalom mentioned that if Chris Billam-Smith defeats Ramírez, his next target will be Australian Jai Opetaia, the current IBF cruiserweight champion.
Ben Shalom believes this fight is key to proving who is the best in the division.
“He will want to add the WBC and IBF titles to his collection, and prove he is the best in the division,” Shalom said.
“A fight with Jai Opetaia is one the fans have been calling for to determine who is No 1. If Chris wins on Saturday, that is a fight we will be looking to make,” Shalom added.
Chris Billam-Smith has proven to be a formidable contender in the cruiserweight division with impressive victories.
Last summer, he defeated Richard Riakporhe in his own backyard, Selhurst Park, winning the rematch by decision. He also overcame former champion Lawrence Okolie in May 2023, claiming the WBO belt.
Ben Shalom has full confidence in his fighter’s abilities and does not hesitate to back Billam-Smith for another significant win. “This is the biggest fight of Chris’ career,” Shalom stated. “If he wins this, he can be fighting to become undisputed next year.”
Shalom highlighted the challenging journey Chris Billam-Smith has had throughout his career, noting that many people have underestimated him on several occasions.
“Many people have written Chris off throughout his career. He is ready to prove the doubters wrong again,” Shalom said.
With British, European, and world titles under his belt, Billam-Smith has overcome every challenge put in front of him. According to Shalom, this matchup with “Zurdo” Ramírez could be the pinnacle of his incredible journey.
“The journey has been incredible, and this can be the biggest night of them all,” Shalom concluded.
A clash between Billam-Smith & Opetaia?! 🔥
🗣️ @benjshalom says he’ll look to make that fight if Billam-Smith gets past Zurdo. #ZurdoBillamSmith x #LatinoNight | Saturday | #RiyadhSeasonpic.twitter.com/lLd4xYMXM1
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) November 13, 2024
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